Autopsies expected in M-50 crash that killed two people

NAPOLEON TWP., MI – Police continue to investigate what caused a Vandercook Lake woman to drive off M-50, cross the center line and crash into an oncoming vehicle, killing herself and the other driver.

About 10:50 a.m. Sunday, April 20, Sandra Beltran, 46, was driving her Jeep Laredo Limited westbound on M-50 near Benton Road when she crashed head-on with an eastbound Jeep Wrangler, driven by Allen Dryer, 62, of Cement City.

Beltran was pronounced dead at the scene, and Dryer died shortly after arriving at Allegiance Health, Curry said.

Napoleon Township Police Chief Michael Curry said autopsies were expected to be performed Monday, and police do not yet know why Beltran drove off the roadway and crossed the center line.

A dog in Dryer’s vehicle suffered injuries and was taken to the Brooklyn Road Veterinary Clinic for treatment, Curry said.

Both drivers were wearing their seatbelts and airbags deployed in both vehicles. Alcohol does not appear to be a factor, a Napoleon Township press release said.

The Napoleon Township Police Department was assisted at the scene by Napoleon Rescue, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and the Michigan State Police Reconstruction Team.